Biography:
AZ was born Anthony Cruz to an African-American mother and a Dominican father. Although he had been rapping since 1992, AZ first came to prominence by appearing on Nas' landmark album Illmatic on the song "Life's a Bitch" (1994)—he was the only guest emcee to appear on that album. After a bidding war, AZ signed with EMI, and soon released Doe Or Die (1995) to more critical acclaim than commercial sales. The album's lead single, "Sugar Hill", became AZ's only major commercial success as a solo artist, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieving Gold status. AZ's EMI contract was transferred to sister label Noo Trybe Records/Virgin Records when the EMI Label Group was shut down.
In 1997, he and Nas appeared in an Sprite commercial.
AZ's fanbase grew considerably after he joined The Firm, a supergroup comprised of AZ, Nas, Foxy Brown, and Nature, with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters producing. The Firm's only album, The Album, was regarded as critically disappointing. Pieces of a Man, AZ's second solo release, didn't sell well. Independently, AZ released S.O.S.A. to little fanfare in 2000. Soon, however, AZ signed with Motown/Universal Records and released 9 Lives.
In 2002, he released Aziatic. A single from the album, "The Essence," was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The video to its first single, "I'm Back," received moderate MTV2 play. AZ was supposed to release an album titled Final Call, around late 2004 or early 2005. Due to massive bootlegging, however, the album was never released. Instead, A.W.O.L. was released on September 6, 2005. This album featured many tracks that were on the unreleased Final Call, as well as some new ones—the first single was the DJ Premier-produced "The Come Up," and it became a moderately popular single.
AZ's sixth solo album The Format , was released on November 7, 2006.
Since The Format, AZ has released a mixtape titled The Memphis Sessions and a J-Love mixtape titled The Return of S.O.S.A. His latest album Undeniable will be released in early 2008.
Style:
AZ is known for his smooth, rhythmic cadence of delivery. He is also known for his use of multi-syllable rhyme schemes, internal rhymes, unconventional rhymes, and a large vocabulary. AZ is "one of the greatest rappers as far as lyrics and longevity", his style and flow are instantly recognizable and comparable to his friend and collaborator Nas.
Albums:
* 1995: Doe Or Die
* 1997: The Firm: The Album
* 1998: Pieces Of A Man
* 2000: S.O.S.A. (Save Our Streets AZ)
* 2001: 9 Lives
* 2002: AZiatic
* 2004: Final Call (unreleased)
* 2005: A.W.O.L.
* 2006: The Format
* 2007: Memphis Sessions (Remixtape)
* 2008: Undeniable
* 2009: Legendary
* 2009: G.O.D. (Gold, Oil & Diamonds)
Sugar Hill
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(It's so lovely, so lovely)
AZ's for real
(Oh he's for real)
He's for real
(It's so lovely sipping on bubbly)
At times I window watch out the Marriott
Guzzling straight shots if scotch
Formulating up plots to escape from Salems lock
'Cause it's scorching hot, making it hard trying to figure who's out to trap me
Pataki, got all kinds of undercovers coming at me
Perhaps he, won't be happy, 'til they snatch me
And place me where half us blacks be
Sitting in Catsaki, but never me, see, my destiny to be forever free
In ecstasy, on a hill, that awaits for me
So plush, just to visualize is like a coke rush
Vivid enough to make living this a must, plus this is real
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill
(It's so lovely, so lovely)
AZ's for real
(Oh he's for real)
He's for real
(It's so lovely sipping on bubbly)
No more cutting grams, and wrapping grands up in rubber bands
I'm a recovered man, our plans to discover other lands
Suburban places got me seeking for oasis
Cristal by the cases, ladies of all races with dime faces
Sex on the white sand beaches of Saint Thomas
Though this ain't promised, I'm as determined as them old timers
I wanna villa in a Costa Rica
So I can smoke my reefer and enjoy how life supposed to treat ya
Laid in the shades of the everglades, finally forever paid
Wearing the finest fabrics tailors ever made
Me and my team, Caribbean cuisines
I guess being down for so long I'm all in store to see my dreams
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill
(It's so lovely, so lovely)
AZ's for real
(Oh he's for real)
He's for real
(It's so lovely sipping on bubbly)
So until I see past the green pasture, me being supreme master
Ain't much more life to fiend after, but another chapter
A new way of life to adapt to, 'cause these streets'll gas ya
And have ya caught up in the rapture
Deja vu, I could vision my killer crew more hospitable
Consciously aware, plus political
'Cause though they claim that every man created equal
What's his native people, find it harder for nights to sleep through
But once established, we eating lovely, living lavish
Like the House of Versailles, in Paris
I gotta have it it, it so plush, just to visualize is like a coke rush
Vivid enough, to make living this a must, plus this is real
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill
(It's so lovely, so lovely)
AZ's for real
(Oh he's for real)
He's for real
(It's so lovely sipping on bubbly)
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill
AZ's for real
He's for real
(It's so lovely sipping on bubbly)
It's so crazy I'm down wit AZ
It's so lovely sipping on bubbly
It's so crazy, Jones and AZ
It's so lovely sipping on bubbly
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill baby
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill baby
I wanna chill, I wanna chill
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill baby
Sugar Hill
The song "Sugar Hill" by AZ is an expression of his desire to escape the harsh realities of his current lifestyle and instead live a life of luxury and lavishness. The opening line of "I wanna chill on Sugar Hill" sets the tone for the entire song and introduces the idea of wanting to be in a better place. AZ goes on to describe his dream life, where he can sip on bubbly and enjoy the finer things in life while overlooking the city of New York from Sugar Hill. He talks about owning foreign cars and yachts and how he desires to travel the world and enjoy different cuisines.
Throughout the song, AZ emphasizes the theme of freedom, both physical and mental. He discusses his desire to escape from the "Salem's Lock" - a reference to the infamous Salem State Penitentiary - and the difficulties he faces as a Black man in society. AZ expresses his hope to be forever free and unburdened by the constraints of societal norms. He also touches on the idea of inequality, acknowledging that although every man is created equal, native peoples still face challenges that affect their quality of life.
Overall, the song "Sugar Hill" by AZ is a powerful depiction of one man's aspirations for a better life. It speaks to the desire for freedom, luxury, and the ability to live life on one's own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna chill on Sugar Hill
I want to live a luxurious life on Sugar Hill
(It's so lovely, so lovely)
The lifestyle on Sugar Hill is beautiful and attractive
AZ's for real
I, AZ, am genuine and authentic
(Oh he's for real)
Others recognize and acknowledge my authenticity
(It's so lovely sipping on bubbly)
Drinking Champagne on Sugar Hill adds to the enjoyment and beauty of the lifestyle
At times I window watch out the Marriott
I sometimes daydream of owning a luxurious Marriott hotel
Zoning on owning co-ops, foreign drop top coups, and yachts
I have aspirations of owning cooperative apartments, foreign cars, and boats
Guzzling straight shots if scotch
I enjoy drinking straight shots of Scotch whisky
Formulating up plots to escape from Salem's lock
I am planning ways to escape the constraints and troubles of my current situation
'Cause it's scorching hot, making it hard trying to figure who's out to trap me
The heat and pressure of my current situation makes it difficult to trust people and avoid trouble
Pataki, got all kinds of undercovers coming at me
The government and police are targeting me with undercover operations
Perhaps he, won't be happy, 'til they snatch me
Governor George Pataki may be unsatisfied until I am apprehended
And place me where half us blacks be
I fear being placed in a prison with a disproportionately high number of Black inmates
Sitting in Catsaki, but never me, see, my destiny to be forever free
Others may end up in a prison in Catskill, but I am determined to remain free and never go there
In ecstasy, on a hill, that awaits for me
I am looking forward to the ecstasy of living on Sugar Hill, which is waiting for me
So plush, just to visualize is like a coke rush
The luxurious lifestyle on Sugar Hill is so attractive that it’s like an adrenaline rush
Vivid enough to make living this a must, plus this is real
The dream is so vivid that it makes me feel like I have to make it a reality, and it is an authentic desire
No more cutting grams, and wrapping grands up in rubber bands
I want to leave behind my old life of selling drugs and carrying cash
I'm a recovered man, our plans to discover other lands
I have changed my ways and am now planning to explore new places
Suburban places got me seeking for oasis
I am looking for a peaceful and luxurious oasis in a suburban area
Cristal by the cases, ladies of all races with dime faces
I want to enjoy expensive Cristal Champagne with beautiful women of all ethnicities
Sex on the white sand beaches of Saint Thomas
I aspire to have sex on the beautiful white sand beaches of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands
Though this ain't promised, I'm as determined as them old timers
I know there are no guarantees in life, but I am as committed to my goals as those who came before me
I wanna villa in a Costa Rica
I want to own a luxurious villa in Costa Rica
So I can smoke my reefer and enjoy how life supposed to treat ya
I desire to enjoy the laid-back life in Costa Rica while smoking marijuana
Laid in the shades of the everglades, finally forever paid
I look forward to relaxing in the shade of the Florida everglades, while being financially secure for life
Wearing the finest fabrics tailors ever made
I desire to wear the most luxurious designer clothes available
Me and my team, Caribbean cuisines
I want to enjoy delicious Caribbean food with my friends and associates
I guess being down for so long I'm all in store to see my dreams
After being down on my luck for so long, I am confident that my dreams will come true
So until I see past the green pasture, me being supreme master
Until I achieve my goals and become the ultimate master of my own destiny
Ain't much more life to fiend after, but another chapter
Once I achieve my dreams, there won’t be much else left to desire except for new experiences and opportunities
A new way of life to adapt to, 'cause these streets'll gas ya
I know I will have to adapt to a new way of life to escape the dangers and stress of my current situation
And have ya caught up in the rapture
Otherwise, the stress will take over and trap me in a cycle of desperation and hopelessness
Deja vu, I could vision my killer crew more hospitable
I have already seen repeated events and am planning for a more welcoming and hospitable team
Consciously aware, plus political
I am conscious of my surroundings and the politics involved in achieving my goals
'Cause though they claim that every man created equal
Although society says that everyone is equal
What's his native people, find it harder for nights to sleep through
People of different ethnicities and backgrounds may have more difficulties achieving their dreams
But once established, we eating lovely, living lavish
Once we have successfully achieved our goals, we will live a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle
Like the House of Versailles, in Paris
Our lifestyle will be as grand and beautiful as the Palace of Versailles in Paris
I gotta have it it, it so plush, just to visualize is like a coke rush
I really want this luxurious lifestyle, and the thought of it is so exciting that it’s like an adrenaline rush
Vivid enough, to make living this a must, plus this is real
The vividness of my dream is enough to make me feel that achieving it is a must, and it is an authentic desire
Sugar Hill
The luxurious neighborhood where I aspire to live
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: Anthony S. Cruz, Erik Sermon, Jerry Barnes, Katrisse Barne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind